The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Dr CP Joshi today advocated further empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions in the country. Addressing the Members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee in New Delhi today, he said, this can be achieved through devolution of powers and finances. Dr. Joshi said this will ensure convergence of a number of schemes and pooling of resources through holistic planning by Panchayats. The Minister announced that accountability incentive scheme which aims at giving more functions, finances and functionaries to these institutions will be allocated more funds. He called for speedy implementation of centrally sponsored scheme including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. A presentation made in the meeting by the Secretary, Panchayati Raj, Mr. ANP Sinha, said directions have been given to central ministries in using 80 per cent of funds of centrally sponsored schemes through Panchayati raj institutions. Giving details of the evolution of the Panchayati Raj in the country, the presentation made it clear that the women's reservation in the institutions are around 37 per cent.<br/>